Diversity & Inclusion

diversity & inclusion

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We recognize that in order to achieve our mission, we must continuously strive to be relevant and responsive to our community as a whole. As the diversity in our community grows, we must
be increasingly intentional about aligning our practices, policies, staffing and volunteers to reflect the changing communities we serve.

United Way of Northwest Vermont understands diversity to include all human characteristics that make us unique as individuals. It includes everyone and excludes no one. Race, gender,
gender identity, geographic origin, culture, age, ability, sexual orientation, economic status, marital status and religion are just some of the characteristics that shape us as
people. Inclusion is our strategy to leverage the diversity of our community.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where people feel supported, listened to and able to do their personal best. Cultural competency is the organizational asset we must continue to
nurture and grow that will allow us to harness the community’s diversity and create the inclusive environment we desire.

Our commitment to cultural competency requires a practice of sincere inquiry and learning about differences and similarities we experience which make up our community and the ability to
incorporate that learning into skills we apply in our work and our relationships.

As a leader in the non-profit sector in Vermont, we are ready to assume a leadership role in embracing diversity and promoting inclusion to ensure equity for all people. United Way of
Northwest Vermont is committed, through our practices and policies, to fostering cultural competence, inclusiveness, understanding, acceptance and respect in order to truly serve the
community.

As part of our ongoing work to be mindful and sensitive to the similarities and differences of all people in our community, we integrate education and discussion into our regular staff
training, retreats and meetings.

Sharing makes
a difference

Perhaps the most powerful way to leverage your gift of time, influence or money is to tell others that you support United Way and inspire them to give too. If we all give a little, together
we have a lot.